Fabrication of PVA-Based Flexible Shielding Composite Incorporating Areca Microfiber, Cobalt, and Activated Biochar Derived from Potato Peel

This research explores the synthesis and characterization of an versatile polyvinyl alcohol shielding composite fortified with areca microfiber, cobalt, and activated biochar particles obtained from potato peels. The fabrication involved the application of the stir casting method, and the material underwent comprehensive characterization, conforming to ASTM standards, encompassing dielectric properties, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, magnetic features, and mechanical attributes. Within the array of composites studied, PA13, comprising 5 vol% of activated biochar with 2 vol% of cobalt, emerged as a standout performer, particularly in terms of dielectric properties. Demonstrating a relative permeability of 5.58, 4.32, 3.33, and 0.72 across the 8, 12, 16, and 20 GHz frequency bands, this composite exhibited superior dielectric characteristics. The enhanced dielectric performance is attributed to the increased surface area and the presence of micropores and mesopores, collectively contributing to improved electrical properties. Similarly, PA13 exhibited noteworthy EMI shielding capabilities, registering total shielding values of 14.19, 17.34, 43.34, and 45.98 dB across the same frequency bands. The heightened EMI shielding effectiveness is linked to the unique structural attributes induced by the activated biochar and cobalt components. In the realm of magnetic properties, composite PA23 displayed magnetic permeability values of 3.876, 5.61, 6.379, and 11.79 across the identical frequency bands, further highlighting the multifaceted functionality of the developed shielding composite. In mechanical properties, composite PA22 showed up with a remarkable tensile strength of 57.2 MPa with reduced elongation which decreased to 119.24%, underscoring the importance of balancing mechanical strength and flexibility. Moreover, the incorporation of areca microfiber played a pivotal role in augmenting the structural integrity and overall performance of the composites. By reinforcing the material, areca microfiber contributed to the mechanical robustness of the shielding composite. In summary, this research elucidates the promising potential of flexible shielding composites, especially exemplified by composite PA13, in various applications such as electronics and packaging. The insights gained from the comprehensive characterization contribute to the understanding of the intricate interplay between the constituents, paving the way for advancements in the design and development of high-performance shielding materials.